How much does a Special Agent make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Special Agent in the United States is $96,369. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $83,099 to $117,712, with most professionals earning between $71,017 and $137,144.

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Salary range for an Special Agent
$83,099 to $117,712
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Job Openings for Special Agent

Special Agent Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Special Agent between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of April 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Special Agent in each city.
Click to see the salary for Special Agent in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $120,355
Washington, DC $106,699
Miami, FL $92,591
Chicago, IL $99,587
Boston, MA $107,480
New York, NY $111,682
Dallas, TX $95,164
If you'd like know Special Agent Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
83099
117712
96369

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
86235
126066
101395
What is the average salary for Special Agent in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Special Agent in the United States. The base salary for Special Agent ranges from $83,099 to $117,712 with the average base salary of $96,369. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $86,235 to $126,066 with the average total cash compensation of $101,395.
Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $96,369 $83,099 - $117,712
Bonus $5,026 $3,137 - $8,354
Total Pay $101,395 $86,235 - $126,066
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.
Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Special Agent, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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83099
117712

 

What's the difference between NCIS Special Agent and Special Agent?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Special Agent is $96,369, and the average salary of NCIS Special Agent is $52,813. The average salary of NCIS Special Agent is lower than Special Agent. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am a Special Agent, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Special Agent. a Special Agent Salary in Riverside, CA is $101,679 as of April 01, 2025; a Special Agent Salary in Bossier City, LA is $88,409 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
Why does the salary of a Special Agent vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Special Agent?
Salary ranges for a Special Agent can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

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Last Update: April 01, 2025